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Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Top 10 Tuesday - Kick-Ass Female Leads

It's Tuesday! Time for another top 10! Can't you just feel my excitement bursting through your internet connection?

This week I'm talking about chicks. Not just any girls, though. The female protagonists that do it for themselves. They're strong, opinionated, and most importantly, don't let the guys make the decisions. Let's hear it for the girls!

Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games
Katniss was the first girl that came to mind when I started thinking about this list. She can hunt with her own handmade weapons, she supports her family, and when her poor little sister was chosen to compete in the Games, Katniss did the only thing she thought was right. She stepped in and chose to fight in Rue's place.

And if that little blurb didn't convince you, check out Jessica's take on Katniss. (She's giving away a Mockingjay pin, too!)

Buffy Summers, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
I know, Buffy is on a TV show, but she's still a kick-ass chick. She fights vampires and demons and all sorts of mystical creatures, all without messing up her hair. Sure, she went through a stint of self-doubt and she fell a little too hard for Angel, but all heroines have their achilles heel, right?

Scout Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird
You really have to give it to this feisty little six year old. Even at such a young age, she's ready to go to bat for her father.

Elizabeth Bennet, Pride and Prejudice
Elizabeth is kick-ass in a much more refined way. In a society where any girl would kill to have a man like Mr. Darcy propose to her, Lizzy denies him. She stands up for herself and her feelings, despite the fact that her family is sliding into financial ruin and a marriage to Darcy would keep them afloat.

Taylor Greer, The Bean Trees
Another unlikely pick for a kick-ass character, but Taylor is strong in her own right. How many girls do you know that would take such great care of a toddler when they are still young themselves? Taylor's spirit throughout the story is what makes her so strong.

Nancy Drew, The Nancy Drew series
The girl detective with everything you could want. She travels across the country and in some cases across to world to bring the bad guys down. There isn't a mystery she can't solve.

Rosie and Scarlett March, Sisters Red
This book is relatively new, but these sisters quite literally kick butt. Wolf butt, to be more precise. Scarlett is the more aggressive of the two, but this is understandable. How would feel if a wolf took your eye and scarred you for life?

Madeline, Madeline series
The smallest of the group of twelve girls, Madeline still stands out. She's outgoing and brave little girl.

Sydney Bristow, Alias
Another lady from TV. Sydney is the epitome of a kick-ass character. Her father is a weirdo, everyone she trusts are not who they seem, and yet she manages to keep it all together. Did I forget to mention that quite literally kicks some bad guy butt. If you don't believe me, check out this scene, which I believe is the best fight scene of all time.

Fern Arable, Charlotte's Web
A brave little girl who saves her favorite pig from slaughter, even though the person who wants to slaughter him is her dad.

Anyone I missed? Let me know in the comments.
Those ten above not enough? Check out Heather's list.